Saying “thank you” is a simple yet powerful way to express gratitude in any language. In Hebrew, there are several ways to convey this, depending on the formality, context, and the person you are speaking to. This blog will explore the various ways to say “thank you” in Hebrew, along with examples, cultural nuances, and tips to sound more natural when speaking with native speakers.
7 different ways to say ‘thank you’ in Hebrew
Learning the alphabet is the first step to mastering a new language. You must develop an understanding of Hebrew alphabet to start understanding basic conversations. In the section below, we will look at different phrases to show gratitude according to the nature of your situation.
The Basics: “Todah” (תּוֹדָה)
The most common and widely known way to say “thank you” in Hebrew is “Todah” (תּוֹדָה). This is a simple, polite form of appreciation that can be used in most situations, whether you’re talking to friends, family, or strangers.
| Hebrew (Transliteration) | English Translation |
| תּוֹדָה (Todah) | Thank you |
When to Use “Todah”:
In casual settings.
- When thanking someone for something small, like passing you an object.
- When you want to express a quick, polite thanks.
Example Conversation:
- Person A: הִנֵּה הַמַּפְתֵּחַ שֶׁלְּךָ (Here’s your key.)
- Person B: תּוֹדָה (Thank you.)
“Todah Rabah” (תּוֹדָה רַבָּה) – Thank You Very Much
When you want to express a higher level of gratitude, adding “Rabah” (רַבָּה) to “Todah” intensifies the meaning, turning “thank you” into “thank you very much”
| Hebrew (Transliteration) | English Translation |
| תּוֹדָה רַבָּה (Todah Rabah) | Thank you very much |
When to Use “Todah Rabah”:
- When someone does you a favor or goes out of their way to help.
- In more formal situations where a higher degree of gratitude is appropriate.
Example Conversation:
- Person A: קָנִיתִּי לְךָ מַתָּנָה מִחוּ”ל (I bought you a gift from abroad.)
- Person B: תּוֹדָה רַבָּה! (Thank you very much!)
“Ani Modeh Lecha” (אָנִי מוֹדֶה לְךָ) – I Thank You (Male Speaker)
For a more formal way to say “thank you,” or when you want to personalize your gratitude, you can say “Ani Modeh Lecha” (אָנִי מוֹדֶה לְךָ) if you are a male speaker. This phrase literally means “I thank you.”
| Hebrew (Transliteration) | English Translation |
| אָנִי מוֹדֶה לְךָ (Ani Modeh Lecha) | I thank you (male) |
When to Use “Ani Modeh Lecha”:
- In formal settings, like business meetings.
- When addressing someone older or in a position of authority.
Example Conversation:
- Person A: עָזַרְתָּ לִי מְאוֹד בַּפְּרוֹיֶקְט (You helped me a lot with the project.)
- Person B: אָנִי מוֹדֶה לְךָ (I thank you.)
“Ani Modah Lach” (אָנִי מוֹדָה לָךְ) – I Thank You (Female Speaker)
For female speakers, the verb “Modeh” becomes “Modah” (מוֹדָה), and the phrase is “Ani Modah Lach” (אָנִי מוֹדָה לָךְ).
| Hebrew (Transliteration) | English Translation |
| אָנִי מוֹדָה לָךְ (Ani Modah Lach) | I thank you (female) |
When to Use “Ani Modah Lach”:
- Formal conversations where you need to show respect.
- Personalized, heartfelt thanks.
Example Conversation:
- Person A: הִבְרַכְתְּ אוֹתִי בַּמִּלִּים שֶׁלָּךְ (Your words blessed me.)
- Person B: אָנִי מוֹדָה לָךְ (I thank you.)
Expressing Sincere Gratitude: “Me’od Modeh/Modah” (מְאוֹד מוֹדֶה/מוֹדָה)
Adding “Me’od” (מְאוֹד)—meaning “very”—before “Modeh/Modah” creates an expression of deep and sincere gratitude. This phrase is a bit more formal and is often used in written correspondence or speeches.
| Hebrew (Transliteration) | English Translation |
| מְאוֹד מוֹדֶה/מוֹדָה (Me’od Modeh/Modah) | I am very thankful |
When to Use “Me’od Modeh/Modah”:
- In formal speeches, letters, or emails.
- When you want to express heartfelt thanks.
Example Conversation:
- Person A: קִדַּמְתָּ אוֹתִי בַּקָּרְיֶרָה שֶׁלִּי (You advanced my career.)
- Person B: מְאוֹד מוֹדֶה לְךָ (I am very thankful to you.)
Casual Expressions: “Todah Al Hacol” (תּוֹדָה עַל הַכּוֹל) – Thanks for Everything
In casual or informal settings, you can use the phrase “Todah Al Hacol” (תּוֹדָה עַל הַכּוֹל) to say “Thanks for everything.” This phrase expresses gratitude for multiple actions or help given over time
| Hebrew (Transliteration) | English Translation |
| תּוֹדָה עַל הַכּוֹל (Todah Al Hacol) | Thanks for everything |
When to Use “Todah Al Hacol”:
- With friends or family after an event or a series of favors.
- When expressing a general sense of appreciation.
Example Conversation:
- Person A: שָׁמַרְתָּ עָלַי כְּשֶׁהָיָה לִי קָשֶׁה (You took care of me when I had a hard time.)
- Person B: תּוֹדָה עַל הַכּוֹל! (Thanks for everything!)
Thanking a Group: “Todahem” (תוֹדָהָם)
When thanking a group, especially in a formal setting, you can use the collective form “Todahem” (תוֹדָהָם). This is a slightly more sophisticated way to express thanks and is not often heard in casual conversation.
| Hebrew (Transliteration) | English Translation |
| תוֹדָהָם (Todahem) | Thank you all |
- When to Use “Todahem”:
- When speaking to a group of people.
- In formal speeches or written communication.
Example Conversation:
- Person A (to a team): תוֹדָהָם עַל הַמַּאֲמָץ (Thank you all for the effort.)
- Group Responds: תּוֹדָה! (Thank you!)
A Cultural Perspective on Saying “Thank You” in Hebrew
In Hebrew culture, expressing gratitude is more than just a polite phrase—it can reflect deeper values of respect, kindness, and community. Understanding the cultural context in which these phrases are used can enhance your ability to connect with Hebrew speakers.
Formal vs. Informal Situations:
- Formal: Use “Ani Modeh Lecha/Lach” in formal settings.
- Informal: Stick with “Todah” or “Todah Rabah” for everyday interactions.
Cultural Sensitivity:
In some contexts, over-thanking can seem excessive, especially in very casual situations. It’s important to strike the right balance between politeness and overstatement.
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Frequently asked questions
Q. How do you say “thanks for everything” in Hebrew?
A. To say “thanks for everything” in Hebrew, you would use the phrase “Todah Al Hacol” (תּוֹדָה עַל הַכּוֹל).
Q. What is the response to “thank you” in Hebrew?
A. The most common response to “thank you” in Hebrew is “Bevakasha” (בְּבַקָּשָׁה), which means “you’re welcome.”
Q. Are there different ways to say “thank you” in Hebrew depending on formality?
A. Yes. “Todah” is informal and common, while “Ani Modeh/Modah Lecha/Lach” is more formal and personal. “Me’od Modeh/Modah” is a very formal way of expressing deep thanks, often used in writing or speeches.
Conclusion
Hebrew offers various ways to express gratitude, each with its own nuance and level of formality. By mastering phrases like “Todah,” “Todah Rabah,” “Ani Modeh Lecha,” and others, you can better communicate your appreciation in Hebrew-speaking environments. Remember, understanding when and how to use these phrases is just as important as learning their meanings.
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